- AMC joins hands with Mahila Housing Trust to beat the heat, launches nation’s first ‘Nature Cool Bus Stop’
- As part of the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, this innovative project aims to enhance the commuter experience while addressing the challenges of scorching summer heat.
- The High-Pressure Mist System cools the space by producing tiny water droplets that absorb heat from the environment, reducing temperatures by 6-7°C, making the waiting area much more comfortable.
- The system incorporates Khus Curtains, made from dried vetiver grass, to provide additional natural cooling, offering a barrier to both hot and cool air
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, MAR 19
Now, commuters boarding or alighting from buses from the Lal Darwaja, Platform Numbers 7 and 8 will no longer have to sweat it out. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS), in collaboration with Mahila Housing Trust (MHT), introduced India’s first ‘Nature Cool Bus Stop’ at Lal Darwaja, Platform Numbers 7 and 8 here on Tuesday.
As part of the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, a pioneering initiative to improve public spaces and provide relief from extreme heat, this scheme was launched. This innovative project aims to enhance the commuter experience while addressing the challenges of scorching summer heat. Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibhaben Jain, AMC Deputy Chairman Hemant Parmar, AMTS Chairman Dharamshibhai Desai, and Mahila Housing Trust Program Manager were present at the inauguration ceremony.
“The location was strategically chosen due to its high footfall, with over 3,000 commuters passing through these platforms daily, primarily students, daily-wage workers, and other populations who are most affected by extreme heat. Positioned on the east-facing side, the bus stop is exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day, making it an ideal location for this much-needed cooling solution. The High-Pressure Mist System, a key feature of the ‘Cool Bus Stop,’ is designed to provide an energy-efficient and highly effective cooling solution, offering respite from the summer heat for commuters,” says a release.
Key Features of the ‘Nature Cool Bus Stop’
- Mist Cooling: The High-Pressure Mist System cools the space by producing tiny water droplets that absorb heat from the environment, reducing temperatures by 6-7°C, making the waiting area much more comfortable.
- Energy Efficient: The system consumes less electricity than traditional air conditioners, reducing energy use and lowering carbon emissions, making it an eco-friendly cooling solution.
- Automatic and Smart Features: The system includes a timer panel and water & electricity-saving features to ensure optimal operation and conservation.
- Dust Suppression: The mist not only cools the area but also helps reduce dust and pollutants, improving air quality for commuters.
- Natural Cooling: The system incorporates Khus Curtains, made from dried vetiver grass, to provide additional natural cooling, offering a barrier to both hot and cool air.
This High-Pressure Mist System works by releasing a fine mist that evaporates quickly, reducing the surrounding temperature and making the air feel cooler without wetting the ground. The integration of the Khus Curtains further enhances the cooling effect, offering a sustainable and affordable solution to mitigate heat stress in urban spaces.
This first-of-its-kind ‘Nature Cool Bus Stop’ marks a significant step towards climate resilience in Ahmedabad. By improving comfort in public spaces, this initiative sets an example for other cities in India to prioritize public health and well-being in the face of rising temperatures. It reflects the collaboration and shared vision of AMC, AMTS, and MHT to create a livable, sustainable urban environment.
Many metros in the country like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai already have AC bus stops and not ‘Nature Cool Bus Stops.’.
